Newsies, based on the 1992 film starring Christian Bale, tells a somewhat fictional version of the 1899 strike of New York's newsboys. The film wasn't initially a success, but gained popularity over time; there's something about teen boys dancing (especially in old-timey outfits) that is just bound to resonate with a certain age-group of girls. It's an uplifting story, and Disney/Broadway superstar Alan Menken wrote the songs, but I do think Christian Bale's perfect 90s floppy hair had a lot to do with the film's eventual success.
Anyway, back to the musical. The biggest change from the film is that Bill Pullman's journalist character became female, and a love interest for Jack Kelly, leader of the newsies. While there is a romance in the film, it's not given that much screen time or notice in general; making the relationship a big part of the musical strikes me as unnecessary and cliched. Would you believe they're from opposite sides of the tracks and initially fight with each other? Would you believe that she's the daughter of his boss/antagonist?? Personally, I wish the writers would have trusted the original story enough to let the journalist stick around simply because the newsies' strike was worth being a part of. Still, even if I don't like all the choices the writers made, Newsies has plenty to recommend it; there's the aforementioned Alan Menken music, the rousing dance numbers... and I do love that the play illustrates the power of unions and collective action—always a good lesson!
Newsies was put on by Bunce Backyard Productions, a group who, as the name implies, performs in a backyard. But it's a very nice backyard, and the company's been at this for a while, so they've really got the system down. There were clearly marked pathways and seating areas, portable restrooms, volunteers to direct parking, and a permanent stage (that is more than just a platform). It's impressive that the company is able to bring in enough volunteers to make everything happen, and then put on the show with free tickets—while they did ask for donations (for BBP and for a charity), there was no cost to attend the show.
Director Sharayah Lynn Bunce made good choices with staging throughout the show, using different amounts of people to affect the feel of certain scenes. This is also a musical where I really appreciate a director's note with some historical context, and I was glad to see that in the program. Under Sarah Anderson's music direction, the harmonies came through nicely in the big group numbers, though I especially enjoyed the well-balanced small group numbers. Greg Bunce designed the set, and I thought the moving piece which served as the rooftop and also at one point an archway was a nice way to create a separate space. I also liked the way newspapers were used as a backdrop. Katriela Caspari was choreographer, with Tara Forseth as tap choreographer, and although I would have liked something a little more elaborate from the Bowery numbers, there were plenty of moments that I thought were very interesting. At one point, the actors danced on top of newspapers, which led to some cool moves; I also particularly liked the military/marching style of movement used in "Seize the Day."
I'm impressed that BBP employed a dialect coach (Ben Slye) for this production. What a treat for the actors! The newsies all had New York accents, and they sounded very consistent as a group. A few other characters had very distinct vocal styles, presumably aided by Slye, and it added nice flavor to their scenes. Lori Schwartz and Grace Yang costumed the show, and all the newsies were dressed very reasonably. Katherine's Act II outfit, with its jaunty little tie, was one of my favorite looks (although the skirt length may have been a little anachronistic, for dancing purposes), and Pulitzer's suit was very nice (hard not to love a well-fitted vest!). I also have to say that I was pleased with the wigs. There are so many terrible wigs in the world of community theater, and it is such a relief when the wigs aren't bad.
Union leader Jack Kelly was played by Thomas Friebe, who I saw not long ago in Ashland's Guys and Dolls. I was pleased to hear differences in his accent compared to that show; his New York accent was slightly different this time, reflecting a younger, less polished character. Friebe played Jack's inner conflicts well, and gave a strong emotional and vocal performance to the iconic "Santa Fe." Brianna Stole brought a spirited boldness to the role of journalist Katherine Plumber (Pulitzer), and nice comic timing. Stole is a talented singer and deftly handled the contrasts in "Watch What Happens." Ian Handeland was engaging as Davey Jacobs, the quieter side of the strike leadership. Davey's whole life has changed because of poor labor conditions (he and his brother become newsies because their father was injured at work), and Handeland's transition as Davey realizes why the strike matters felt very realistic. In "Seize the Day," Handeland displayed a lovely clear vocal sound. Still, for all three leads, my favorite song was probably "Watch What Happens (Reprise)" (also featuring Sam Coombe as the eager little brother, Les Jacobs). Am I just a sucker for a good quartet (or a trio)? Maybe!
Anyway, back to the musical. The biggest change from the film is that Bill Pullman's journalist character became female, and a love interest for Jack Kelly, leader of the newsies. While there is a romance in the film, it's not given that much screen time or notice in general; making the relationship a big part of the musical strikes me as unnecessary and cliched. Would you believe they're from opposite sides of the tracks and initially fight with each other? Would you believe that she's the daughter of his boss/antagonist?? Personally, I wish the writers would have trusted the original story enough to let the journalist stick around simply because the newsies' strike was worth being a part of. Still, even if I don't like all the choices the writers made, Newsies has plenty to recommend it; there's the aforementioned Alan Menken music, the rousing dance numbers... and I do love that the play illustrates the power of unions and collective action—always a good lesson!
Newsies was put on by Bunce Backyard Productions, a group who, as the name implies, performs in a backyard. But it's a very nice backyard, and the company's been at this for a while, so they've really got the system down. There were clearly marked pathways and seating areas, portable restrooms, volunteers to direct parking, and a permanent stage (that is more than just a platform). It's impressive that the company is able to bring in enough volunteers to make everything happen, and then put on the show with free tickets—while they did ask for donations (for BBP and for a charity), there was no cost to attend the show.
Director Sharayah Lynn Bunce made good choices with staging throughout the show, using different amounts of people to affect the feel of certain scenes. This is also a musical where I really appreciate a director's note with some historical context, and I was glad to see that in the program. Under Sarah Anderson's music direction, the harmonies came through nicely in the big group numbers, though I especially enjoyed the well-balanced small group numbers. Greg Bunce designed the set, and I thought the moving piece which served as the rooftop and also at one point an archway was a nice way to create a separate space. I also liked the way newspapers were used as a backdrop. Katriela Caspari was choreographer, with Tara Forseth as tap choreographer, and although I would have liked something a little more elaborate from the Bowery numbers, there were plenty of moments that I thought were very interesting. At one point, the actors danced on top of newspapers, which led to some cool moves; I also particularly liked the military/marching style of movement used in "Seize the Day."
I'm impressed that BBP employed a dialect coach (Ben Slye) for this production. What a treat for the actors! The newsies all had New York accents, and they sounded very consistent as a group. A few other characters had very distinct vocal styles, presumably aided by Slye, and it added nice flavor to their scenes. Lori Schwartz and Grace Yang costumed the show, and all the newsies were dressed very reasonably. Katherine's Act II outfit, with its jaunty little tie, was one of my favorite looks (although the skirt length may have been a little anachronistic, for dancing purposes), and Pulitzer's suit was very nice (hard not to love a well-fitted vest!). I also have to say that I was pleased with the wigs. There are so many terrible wigs in the world of community theater, and it is such a relief when the wigs aren't bad.
Union leader Jack Kelly was played by Thomas Friebe, who I saw not long ago in Ashland's Guys and Dolls. I was pleased to hear differences in his accent compared to that show; his New York accent was slightly different this time, reflecting a younger, less polished character. Friebe played Jack's inner conflicts well, and gave a strong emotional and vocal performance to the iconic "Santa Fe." Brianna Stole brought a spirited boldness to the role of journalist Katherine Plumber (Pulitzer), and nice comic timing. Stole is a talented singer and deftly handled the contrasts in "Watch What Happens." Ian Handeland was engaging as Davey Jacobs, the quieter side of the strike leadership. Davey's whole life has changed because of poor labor conditions (he and his brother become newsies because their father was injured at work), and Handeland's transition as Davey realizes why the strike matters felt very realistic. In "Seize the Day," Handeland displayed a lovely clear vocal sound. Still, for all three leads, my favorite song was probably "Watch What Happens (Reprise)" (also featuring Sam Coombe as the eager little brother, Les Jacobs). Am I just a sucker for a good quartet (or a trio)? Maybe!
Zachary Hedner played Joseph Pulitzer, the rich, insensitive newspaper owner. Hedner had a commanding energy and the vocal strength to match. Greg Bunce (Seitz), Clarissa Geske (Hannah), and Tyler Eliason (Bunsen) played Pulitzer's staff, and when they all started harmonizing on "The Bottom Line," well, I wish it had lasted a lot longer. Bunce's Seitz and Geske's Hannah both had accents/affectations that I found very entertaining. Greg Bunce played multiple characters, sometimes with a very quick turnaround, and he did a very nice job at making them each distinct. As vaudeville performer Medda Larkin, Effy Shypulski was just the right level of pouty and playful in "That's Rich." It didn't occur to me the first time I saw Newsies, but it seems strange that Medda only sings one song! Pulitzer, too, seems... under-composed. Maybe that's just what comes of adapting a movie musical, where character balance is much less important. But after all, in the movie Medda sings two songs!
Johnathan Grommesh played Crutchie, and the opening scene/duet between him and Friebe as Jack was really sweet. Grommesh was very consistent with his physical work (a limp and crutch use), to the point that every time he went off stage and appeared at the top of the set I kept feeling indignant that he was being made to climb so many stairs. Charlie LaBerge brought a nice bit of grit as Spot Conlon (another character that could use more music). As for the other newsies, many of them have character names, but it is impossible in the course of the show to actually figure out who is who! I can only say that as a group the newsies gave a lot of attitude and energy.
Johnathan Grommesh played Crutchie, and the opening scene/duet between him and Friebe as Jack was really sweet. Grommesh was very consistent with his physical work (a limp and crutch use), to the point that every time he went off stage and appeared at the top of the set I kept feeling indignant that he was being made to climb so many stairs. Charlie LaBerge brought a nice bit of grit as Spot Conlon (another character that could use more music). As for the other newsies, many of them have character names, but it is impossible in the course of the show to actually figure out who is who! I can only say that as a group the newsies gave a lot of attitude and energy.
Even if I don't think the creators of this show made all the right decisions, it's hard not to get swept up in the story of a spirited group of young people finding their power and winning a victory against greed. The fact that it's an actual historical event (with some fictional details) makes it an even more uplifting story. Bunce Backyard Productions' Newsies was an engaging, entertaining show with plenty of heart.
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